Light summer textiles
When the warm weather arrives, swap heavy curtains for light, sheer ones that let air through and soften the sun. Bedspreads and pillowcases in natural fabrics feel nicer in summer, and pale shades make a room look cooler.
Ideas
Projects and ideas
Coziness changes with the weather outside. In summer a room needs air and shade; in winter, softness, warmth and as much daylight as possible. Your home can respond to the season without a renovation: often it's enough to change the curtains, bring out the throws, move an armchair or clear the closet of things you won't need for a while. Below is one idea for each of these changes.
Changing the curtains and moving an armchair to the window is the fastest way to let a new season into your home.
How this section works: each idea is a short starting point, without brands, models, sizes or costs. Wash and clean fabrics and surfaces as the care label or the manufacturer's instructions say.
Seasonal ideas for the home
Small changes that help your home keep pace with the year.
Heavy winter textiles
As it gets colder, bring back the heavy curtains, warm bedspreads and soft cushions. Just don't let the curtains cover the whole radiator: warm air should rise freely into the room instead of getting trapped behind the fabric by the window.
Heating season (in Russian)
Furniture closer to the light
Daylight is scarce in winter, so it makes sense to move your desk and favorite armchair closer to the window. In summer, the opposite: move your reading spot into the shade, away from direct sun and warm glass.
Seasonal rugs and throws
A warm rug on a cold floor in winter and bare, cool floorboards in summer is a simple switch that noticeably changes how a room feels. Keep throws in a basket by the sofa and put most of them away when it gets hot.
Storing seasonal items
Before you put things away until next season, wash or clean them and let them dry completely: damp fabric in a closed closet quickly starts to smell musty. Label the boxes so you're not hunting for a scarf on every shelf next fall.
A spot for drying winter gear
Your entryway needs a place where a wet coat, hat and boots can dry without dripping on the floor: a few hooks, a mat and a boot tray. Never dry clothes on a space heater, and leave the area around radiators clear.
The balcony in summer
Clear out whatever has piled up on the balcony over the winter, wash the floor and the frame, and add a light folding chair. Mount flower boxes only on the inside of the railing so nothing can fall.
Read next
- Care
Caring for windows and doors, ventilation, plumbing, radiators, floors, the balcony, the roof and gutters, by season and by situation.
- Planning
A yearly home plan: which jobs to leave for spring, summer, fall and winter, how to keep a chore list and how to share tasks as a family.
- Tools
What to keep on hand for seasonal home care, from a stepladder and brushes to weatherstripping, a flashlight and a hygrometer.
What we rely on
- Manufacturer instructions for windows, appliances and equipment
- General household fire safety guidelines
- Kissdesign editorial materials
Everything on Kissdesign is general guidance based on manufacturer instructions for windows, appliances and equipment and on household fire safety rules. For the specifics of caring for your own window, appliance or detector, see its manual; check with your building management before any work in an apartment building, since rules differ by country; and leave gas, heating, electrical work and roofing to professionals.